Minakshi Batra, Director - India, Industrial Development Agency, Ireland, visits at least twice a year to catch up on business and take some time off.

Dublin is characterised by the colour green – be it the greenery around the city, the green-clothed leprechauns (one can actually imagine them hiding underneath the leaves), and the green shamrocks.

When I first went there, I was wary of being able to ‘fit in’. But what struck me first was the friendliness of Dubliners. (Just make sure you don’t confuse Ireland with England; many do so and it’s definitely something to avoid!) RecommendationsMy favourite hotel at Dublin is the Shelbourne. Built in 1824, and later restored, it still exudes an old world charm. James Joyce, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century and Dublin icon, used to frequent the place. For high level meetings, opt for the Burlington, which has the largest conference venue in the city. Some of the best shops are found on and around Grafton Street. A Waterford Crystal is a must buy.TipsThe best part of being in Dublin is the ease with which you can get around.Walking is the best way to explore the city; one can marvel at the exquisite architecture of an abundance of historic buildings, while enjoying a lovely walk. Dublin’s gardens, spread across the city, provide a perfect resting place during the day. Alternatively, one can hop onto a bus for a part of the way to reach destinations quickly. The one ‘to-do’ for any tourist is a visit to the Guinness beer factory. Apart from a deep dive into the brewing process, the view from the top floor of the building is not worth missing. It was the best thing I have done at Dublin. Minakshi Batra, Director - India, Industrial Development Agency There are a variety of fine-dining restaurants with cuisines from across the globe. But to soak in the Dubliner spirit, one must visit the local pubs and eat the local fare (the best fish and chips!). The night life is one of the best globally – the revelry is astounding. Golf is a relaxing option; Ireland has the maximum number of golf courses, some of the best in the world. (Coordinated by Abhishek Raghunath)

(This story appears in the 16 July, 2010 issue of Forbes India. You can buy our tablet version from Magzter.com. To visit our Archives, click here.)